Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Sorted by date Results 176 - 200 of 254
Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese is a world traveler extraordinaire, recently completing an arctic adventure that took her to her 109th country and 7th continent. This trip was particularly exciting as she became the first person ever to set foot on Cape Yalik, a remote site on one of the 192 uninhabited islands of Franz Josef Land in the Russian High Arctic. The Lake Wales attorney, with a law office in Winter Haven, works hard so she can devote about two months each year to her...
When Kathleen "Kathy" Bowman became chief development officer of the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, the school's development team was bringing in an average of $4 million per year over a five-year period. When she left the position of five years last month to become Florida Polytechnic University's new vice president of advancement, the average was over $22 million per year. "We ensured best practice and procedures were in place...
Lake Wales Moose Lodge 2391 officials were thrilled with the success of their Aug. 25 fundraiser to benefit 12-year-old Ambrey Batson, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer. The Lodge set a goal of $5,000 for the event and ended up raising more than double that amount. The benefit drew about 200 people and served about 130 of the pulled pork dinners. Other funds were raised through an auction, raffles and 50-50 drawing. Lodge Past Governor and event Volunteer Joe Settle...
The Lake Wales Arts Council has named Bill Doherty as its new Lake Wales Chorale Director. Mr. Doherty is an accomplished conductor, pianist, and composer. The first Chorale rehearsal takes place on Sept. 9 at the Lake Wales Arts Center. All singers are welcome. Those interested in joining the Chorale are asked to complete the online application at http://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org/lake-wales-chorale-1/2018/8/22/the-lake-wales-chorale An audition will be scheduled with the...
The early settlers of what is now Lake Wales were hearty, adventuresome people, real Pioneers, descendants of their ancestors who traveled via oxen-driven covered wagons and were true to their code of "Ten Tandra Via Est" meaning "The way remains to be tried". Such people included Nellie and her husband, Nile E. Stewart. In October 1912, after a long and difficult, sometimes dangerous trip through swamp, overcoming their fears of possible snakes and alligators, they travelled...
Patricia Harvey is creating a Haven for Success, an after-school program that helps children reach their greatest potential. Harvey's new program will serve 20-25 elementary age children three hours a day beginning Aug. 19 at the B Street Community Center at 230 B Street in Lake Wales. "I want these children to know and understand life is what you make it," Harvey said. "Life is not standing on the street corner. Life is not walking around with your pants below your behind....
George O'Neill III has traveled the world, but he still has a heart for small cities like Lake Wales where he grew up and played youth soccer. The 25-year-old University of Florida theater major has created a tool to help local businesses, cities and organizations promote their events and expand their reach. He's holding a pre-launch mixer Aug. 28 to introduce his PROMO app to potential early adopters in Polk County. O'Neill recognizes the frustrations of people who create a...
Cornerstone Hospice is looking for volunteers who would like to learn how to help others while helping themselves. Cornerstone volunteers may visit patients at home or in a facility to offer friendly conversation and give family members a break to run errands. Volunteers also can help out in the office, walk patients' dogs or honor fellow veterans in Cornerstone's care. Hours are flexible and volunteers can choose the areas they want to work throughout Polk County, including...
The Lake Wales NAACP Youth Council is holding a breakfast Saturday, Aug. 31 for current and prospective members. NAACP Branch President Wanda Howard said the Lake Wales Youth Council is one of the oldest in the state, and possibly the nation, formed at Roosevelt High School in 1943. Howard said a functioning council needs at least 25 members, but it is open to all interested young people: "The NAACP is very diverse. We include people of all races." The Youth Council members...
Lake Wales Moose Lodge 2391 will be hosting a fundraiser Sunday, Aug. 25 to benefit 12-year-old Ambrey Batson, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer. Ambrey is a 7th grader at Bok Academy North, where her mother Shelley is an assistant principal. The benefit will start at 2 p.m. with activities, auction, raffle, 50-50 drawing and more. A dinner with pulled pork, baked beans and cole slaw starts at 5 p.m. for a requested $10 donation. The Moose Lodge is located at 3601 SR...
As County Manager Jim Freeman prepares to retire, he quietly reflects on his accomplishments - rather, his team's accomplishments; the future of Polk County; and his own plans, post-retirement. Jim Freeman says other people say he will be remembered for guiding the county through the Great Recession of 2008. "It was challenging," Freeman said. "It took a lot of creativity and we had to make a lot of difficult decisions on reductions, expenditures, staffing levels. We got...
The Lake Wales NAACP Branch 5109 presented its Servant Leader Award to Bishop Roscoe Williams III. Board member Nicara Daniels announced the award at the Branch's 46th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet Saturday, June 15 at the James P. Austin Center. Williams was born in Sylvester, GA and moved to Florida at a very young age. He graduated with the class of 1974 from Lake Wales High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Annie, and they are the proud parents of four children...
Joseph Farewell started shooting as soon as he was big enough to hold a gun and he began competing about nine years ago. The 28-year-old Lake Wales native is proud to represent the United States in the World Rifle Championship in Sweden Aug. 3-10, and he's optimistic about bringing home a gold medal. The U.S. Practical Shooting Association chose Farewell for the four-shooter men's open team, which includes Scott Green of Nevada, who placed second in last year's World Shotgun...
American Legion Post 71 is once again looking for a new home. The post closed its Area 71 Restaurant and Bar at Eagle Ridge Mall in June after six months of operation. Past Commander Andy Anderson said the mall operation was successful until Area 71 began experiencing problems with its air conditioning and sewer system. The final blow came after a refrigerator breakdown caused the post to lose about $1,500 in food. "When the people don't come, when the mall itself is hot, it's...
Zachary Kirkland is a caring teenager committed to helping young people have a better hospital experience. Through his Silly Sock Saturdays nonprofit, Zachary delivers gift bags with socks, games and other comfort items to patients in the pediatric unit at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. A rising junior at Lake Wales High School, Zachary formed his nonprofit when he was in middle school at Bok Academy. "This helps the kids by taking their mind onto other things, not the...
Lake Wales is well-represented at the world's largest air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin this week as Eric Farewell and his Aviator PPG team take to the skies to show off their paramotor flying skills. Wearing what look like large, round fans on their backs and dangling from parachute canopies, the four-person team again is sharing some of the aerobatic maneuvers that delighted audiences in May at the Sun 'n Fun Air Show in Lakeland. "It's a great honor for us to be invited back,"...
Family and Friends of Albert Hawkins Jr. gathered Saturday, July 20 to honor his memory and dedicate a pavilion in his name. Hawkins died in December 2017 at the age of 79. The pavilion is located next to the B Street Community Center in Lake Wales where Hawkins spent countless hours serving the community. Alice Sanders coordinated the tributes to "Hawk," made by representatives of various churches, the Green and Gold Foundation, his Roosevelt High School Class of 1956 classma...
The Florida Sportsmen's Conservation Association (FSCA) honored Linda Collins of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for her work managing the agency's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). The award, which was presented July 17 at the FWC's meeting in Stuart, recognizes Collins' commitment to public safety. Collins has worked for the FWC for 18 years. She started as an administrative assistant with the Alligator Management Program and now...
In 1914 Nellie Stewart gathered 17 Lake Wales women for a "thimble party" and while they chatted and sewed they decided to form a club. Now 105 years later, members of the GFWC Lake Wales Woman's Club gathered July 10 for a tea and luncheon where they encouraged guests to join their organization. Secretary Mary Walkup described the club's history, which included an amazing list of accomplishments. The Woman's Club over the years has spearheaded or been involved in many local...
Rotary on the Ridge honored Lake Wales resident Drew Truitt as the club's 2018-19 Rotarian of the Year. The award was presented Monday, July 1 at the club's annual celebration and installation banquet. In presenting the award, 2017-18 Rotarian of the Year Sandra Wolf said he rarely misses a meeting and shows up for every service opportunity and all the fun club events. "Our Rotarian of the Year serves as an ambassador for our club and has sponsored several new members," Wolf s...
The Rotary on the Ridge president's gavel Monday, July 1 passed from one Gillis to another Gillis as five other family members were recognized with Service Above Self Awards. Rotary is definitely a family affair for 2018-19 President Megan Gillis and husband Herb, who took over club leadership for 2019-20. Shortly after Megan was installed as president last June her parents, Sheri and Marshall Hartley, joined the club. Megan and Herb were charter members of Rotary on the...
The GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales will be hosting a New Member Tea and Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 10. This is the first ever event of this kind for the club and it is open to any woman who is a resident of Greater Lake Wales who desires to be a part of an organization rich in history that has been a force for community good over the last 105 years. The GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales provides financial, in-kind, and hands on support for local, national,...
After a brief absence from Polk County, Danny Kushmer, returns as executive director for the Lakes Education Action Drive (LE/AD) beginning July 1. Danny replaces Tabitha Biehl who was recently promoted to Land and Natural Areas Manager with Polk County Parks & Natural Resources. Danny spent nearly 10 years as the governmental affairs manager for the Southwest Florida Water Management District with offices in Bartow. During this time, he served on the communications team for...
The Lake Wales NAACP Branch 5109 recognized Eddye Jean Rivers with its Community Leader Award. NAACP Board Member Nicara Daniels presented the award at the branch's 46th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet June 15 at the James P. Austin Community Center. Rivers was born in Lake Wales, he daughter of the late Edward and Belle Sumlin. She is one of seven children. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in the Class of 1956 and married David Rivers. They have one son, David Rivers Jr....
Florida Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson fired up members of the Lake Wales NAACP Saturday June 15 with a rousing call to be bold, to vote and to make sure others vote. The Jacksonville Democrat was keynote speaker for Branch 5109's 46th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet. Gibson has been in the Florida Legislature since 2002, the first eight years as a Representative, and the last eight as a Senator. Since it was Father's Day weekend, Gibson brought her dad, Ernest Gibson, to...
